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An Iranian actress, Leila Hatami who starred in the Oscar-winning fim "A Separation" angered religious authorities after she kissed the cheek of the president of Cannes Film Festival, Gilles Jacob and now she faces a call that she be publicly flogged by various groups in her country.

After the controversial kiss on the cheek, many hardline media outlets in Iran used the headlines "Leila Hatami kisses a strange man" to accompany the pictures to the dissaproval of hard line media and conservative political parties in her country.

A few days later, a group of female Iranian students wrote to Tehran’s minister of culture and media, Al Jannati. “We ask actress Leila Hatami be sentenced to one to ten years imprisonment and flogging,” the petition read. “We refer you to article 638 of Islamic Penal Code, which deems punishment for those who commit a sin in public. Leila Hatami, who is a beloved public personality in our Islamic nation, did not observe the proper Islamic attire and intentionally, and with full knowledge of her actions, volunteered to kiss a foreign non-Muslim man.” The group signed the petition the “Student Sisters of Hezbollah.”

What do you guys think of this? Massive over reaction or do the Iranians have the right to enforce moral codes unto artists who represent their country?

Do consider both sides of the argument.

It is definitely massive over reaction by the Iranians.. When one steps out in the world to create a place for himself he has to break his shell and tune in with everybody.. If he doesn't, he wont be able to succeed, and this holds true especially in case of the entertainment industry..
Anyways, latest update is that she has apologized saying that her act was fruitless and she treats the person like her grand father..

Can the flogging be live and on pay-per-view at least?
Or why is it no feminist org. are talking, blogging twitting about her case?

This kind of thing disgusts me. There will always be religious extremism in every country, just like how there is the Westboro baptist church in the U.S

The messed up thing is that in some countries, those people are actually in power. But majority of Iranians are not like that. Many of the Iranian friends I know online are quite moderate and open.

They too, are saddened by how the image of their country has been painted as a haven for radical religious extremists who try to tell women what they can or cannot do.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2637615/Irans-actress-facing-public-flogging-kissed-male-Cannes-film-festival-boss-cheek.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2633959/Irans-actress-condemned-fanatics-kissing-Cannes-film-festival-boss-CHEEK.html

Actually, I do think Iranians have a right to have a say in the actions of people representing their country such as celebrities or sport stars because it affects the image of a country, especially an Islamic country like Iran!
Imagine an athlete from US saying how gay people are disgusting and should not be allowed to marry when he was at an international event. I'm sure the political backlash would be tremendous as well!

What is actually shocking is that the cal to have this actress sentenced and flogged came from women! Is that not scary? I have to ask what is the state of women's rights in Iran? I have met a few Iranian women in Europe who told me just how free they feel in living in Europe. They often dread going back home on visits.

If something like that happens, will the athlete be flogged in public? Especially if the athlete is a female? This incident is very sick. And even more disgusting are the people who defend such stone age rituals.

They is certainly very enlightening to know the point of view of Iranian women living in Europe. I do hope they get Citizenship status so they don't have to go back and be oppressed by the government in their country. :(

Countries like Iran need more liberal minded leaders so that women rights can be recognized and more liberty be given to them. I don't get why women are treated so harshly in those countries. Is it because of their religion??

Country and culture need to solve their own issue rather than bringing the same problems into another country/host/culture.

I guess women in Iran have no rights at all today.. They cant even roam freely around in the public without having their head covered... Few days back, a Facebook page was launched where women of Iran were allowed to post their pictures without their head coverings, and as expected, it raised questions.. Disgusting!!

That actress does not represent anyone, even if she was only Iranian in the festival. No Iranian agency or organization authorize or pay her to present in France. She acted for her own, not for Iran.
Isn't too hypocrite to ask for an actress to behave morally for the name of her people, especially when the people is not that moral.

This is why Islam can't have nice things.

anyone remember when this happened to richard gere in india? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5wzUZsMdE4

i don't think it's an issue isolated to muslim countries only.

From wiki:

He also preached of Islam's essentially serious nature

Allah did not create man so that he could have fun. The aim of creation was for mankind to be put to the test through hardship and prayer. An Islamic regime must be serious in every field. There are no jokes in Islam. There is no humor in Islam. There is no fun in Islam. There can be no fun and joy in whatever is serious. Islam does not allow swimming in the sea and is opposed to radio and television serials. Islam, however, allows marksmanship, horseback riding and competition ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_thought_and_legacy_of_Ruhollah_Khomeini

Nice try at turning this around.  In this case the stupidity and intolerance is coming from a country, not an individual.  No scandal here, just more idiocy from Iran.   ::)

Damn that's some bad religion if you get in prison for a kiss. A kiss has always been sign of a love or respect, depends where kiss i given, but on cheeks it's just show of respecting other cultures. I will never understand that logics of some religions.

Don't blame the religion. Blame it on the fanatics who misinterpret it. These extremist nations such as Iran and Saudi Arabia are a disgrace to humanity. And it is sad to see even more countries sliding down that path.

But this only applies to women.  They are property:  The property of their father at birth then the property of their husband at marriage.  How dare a mere woman act in such a disgraceful manner to bring shame and embarrassment upon her family.   ::)  

Religion: the reason for and cause of almost all violence and hate.

OOOH you thought it improved your life? LMAO.

In this connection I would like to mention that a man is kicked out of Saudi Arab for being too handsome. Meet Omar Borkan al Gala (https://es-es.facebook.com/omarborkanalgala)

http://blu.stb.s-msn.com/i/90/3E1061CBFEF0339129154ABD8E70_h316_w628_m5_cRoFszyrj.jpg

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/04/25/omar-borkan-al-gala-dubai-saudi-arabia-too-handsome-pictures_n_3152761.html

These things can only happen under Islamic regime.

Don't believe the Daily Trash. In reality, he was kicked out of Saudi Arabia because he criticized some Islamic cleric, and had talked to some women at an expo. I am not saying that the punishment was justified, but re-posting the Daily Mail crap is no good.

I think you are absolutely right. It is only an innocent gesture and what Leila Hatami chooses to do in her free time is really up to her. And it is not like she acted in the extreme. She has been very careful in her public actions. Even making sure to wear head scarfs for every of her public appearances to appease her countrymen.

I think people like Leila Hatami who has international recognition can stand up and be a spokesperson against the oppression of women freedom in her country especially now that she has experienced this terrifying ordeal..

Besides, she is very talented anyway and I do think that many countries will be willing to give her asylum and even accept her as one of their own should she ever want to migrate.

I am all for women rights! But I can't say that I don't understand where the other side's argument is coming from. I think every time you appear on an international stage, you are representing your country because people's eyes will all be on you and your ethnicity and with that, comes a certain level of responsibility where you have to act appropriately to represent the values of your country.

And every time you do something bad, not only you but your countrymen have to take the blame for it. For example, when Muslim extremists attacked the world trade center during 9/11, people didn't say "oh, it is because they are extremists. other Muslims are innocent." but instead it lead to a widespread paranoia against Muslims and they are still being discriminated against until today due to what a small number of people did.

One to ten years of imprisonment plus flogging for pecking a foreign non-Muslim individual ( must mention that which is a normal gesture) is a punishment stated by Islam
I completely respect the religion.. But I would like to know what would be the punishment if Hatami had kissed a Muslim boy ?

there's nothing we can really do but let them implode on themselves.. i wish were didn't meddle in their business. we probably wouldn't care and treat them like we do africa, if it weren't for all that tasty oil they have.

I just read this news today.

"A 25-year-old woman was stoned to death and killed by her family outside a high court in the Pakistani city of Lahore, for marrying the man she fell in love with, according to police and a lawyer. Police said about 20 members of the family started attacking Farzana Parveen, and her husband Mohammad Iqbal, with sticks and bricks as they waited for the high court to open on Tuesday afternoon."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worl...she-loved/

The father wasn't even apologetic, he was there when the police arrived and said it was justified because it was a 'honor killing' because by not marrying the person the family chose for her, the woman have disgraced the family. WTF.

And apparently this kind of 'killing' is common in Pakistan!

"Although the Pakistani government itself does not collect any data — and it is illegal to carry out such killings — several hundred women are said to be killed in honor killings every year in Pakistan. In the latest annual report released (PDF) by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, 869 women were killed in the name of honor in 2013."

The fact that they can easily take away a human life like this is a very disgusting portrayal of the Pakistani attitude and perspective of women's rights.

In view of such atrocities, no wonder the Iranians wanted such harsh punishment for Leila Hatami also! I think the international community should take drastic actions to liberate and rescue the lives of oppressed women in the middle east!

sounds like an honor killing to me http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honor_killing

hear about it way too often. there's just something more crazy and primitive about muslim culture. though to be fair, i do think they have legitimate reasons for not liking westerns who go in there and exploit them.

Absolutely agree with you !
Women in Iran aren't a symbol of innocence and chastity.. They simply are used for oppression.. I guess it is now the time for Islam to break the shell of dark ages and step up... It should follow the Catholics..

Catholics used to be really bad in the oppression of women too.. What do you guys think changed? How come they are so much more open now towards women rights compared to some of the Muslim countries like Egypt, Iran & Syria?

Why do you respect it?  I see no reason too.

Well, as you said "every time you appear on an international stage, you are representing your country because people's eyes will all be on you and your ethnicity" => in this case I am wondering which symbol for and value of US I should see thought US representatives, Oprah Winfrey or Miley Cirus? Difficult case right?

About your example of the case of Muslims, I guess the civilized world said the 9/11 was due to Muslim extremists, while some people say just Muslim. Racism exists along with existence of human being unfortunately. It is the same like the way we used to about black people, or immigrants. They both, black and immigrants, with time prove themselves and take their roles in our society today.

I can give a typical sample: people nowadays are very careful with china-made stuff, especially foods. We behave the same way toward commodity from China. But look in the stores, majority is china-made, in particular clothes.

After all, I think people do not judge an ethnicity by behavior of a small group, but they just take precautions. And of course there are some people who are somehow racists, trying to equate a group with the people / ethnicity they present.

Another question: if my mother is Hispanic, my father is Anglo Saxon and Asian mixed, I was born in Morocco and now living in the States but I have French citizenship, which people you would blame if I do something bad?

hmmm that is indeed a good observation. But sometimes one bad apple can indeed spoil the whole crate.

You have a good attitude towards people who are different than you and that is really good. In fact, I think like that too. lol but sometimes we have to understand that there are a lot of other people don't think like that and are quick to jump to conclusions. And sometimes people who are hateful can do the most damage such as discrimination and attacking people who are different than them.

Which is why I think controlling the image you project to the majority about your group as a member of the minority is important so that they can see past the bad and start to really understand you and your people. Going back to my analogy, lots of people think negatively about black people in the US in the past because of a few bad apples who committed a lot of crimes. And it was a very long and difficult task to start convincing people otherwise once the first image was cast because of the fear.

But that is besides the point.

Back to your question, I would blame you yourself for your wrong deeds. Because I know better. But if you did something bad in the states, others who are not so enlightened and the media will first blame Morocco, because it is always easier to blame a foreign country that people don't understand well. Then they will blame your Asian ethnicity, because again, people always fear what they don't understand and lastly, if they run out of people to blame, they will blame the French. Because people like to point fingers to everyone else but themselves.

"There is nothing to fear but fear itself." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

"She has been very careful in her public actions"... The very definition of woman's freedom... ::) ::) ::)

He looks like a young Billy Zane with a camel...

https://i.imgur.com/t5yfxqj.jpg

A Muslim wife complains to her husband that all the romance had gone out of their marriage.
"Remember when you used to carry me up to bed?" she asked.
Yeah," he replied, "But be fair, you were only eleven at the time.

... Her sister was 7.

Enjoy freedom of speech as long as you can.

Really ? I dont see any similarity in these 2 faces !!! :)

It wasn't even that long ago that Iran was somewhat liberal.

I really wonder just how many people in Iran actually agree with this or if it's a small minority that's just being made out to be bigger than it actually is.

Iran is definitely more liberal compared to the other countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia or Yemen. But things changed when Mohammad Khatami was toppled by the clerics. He was replaced with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who introduced more and more conservative policies.